Stillwater Board Adopts Cell Phone Ban, Reports Improved Finances

The Stillwater Board of Education approved a new policy prohibiting student use of personal cell phones and electronic devices during school hours at its Aug. 12 meeting, complying with state law while also reporting significant improvements to the district's financial position.

The cell phone policy, approved as part of the consent agenda without discussion, prohibits students from using personal electronic devices "bell to bell" on school campuses. The policy defines this timeframe as from the first bell signaling the start of instructional time until the dismissal bell ending the school day.

The policy includes several exceptions, including emergency use for situations requiring immediate communication for safety or urgent personal matters, such as medical emergencies or natural disasters. Students who use devices to monitor health issues like glucose levels may continue using them throughout the school day.

Students with special needs may also use personal devices if their Individualized Education Program, Medical Plan or 504 Plan explicitly requires the technology for medically or educationally necessary purposes.

"Students found to be using any personal electronic wireless telecommunications device for any illegal purpose, violation of privacy, or to in any way send or receive personal messages, data, or information that would contribute to or constitute cheating on tests or examinations shall be subject to discipline," the policy states.

The policy defines personal electronic devices as those capable of connecting to smartphones, the Internet, cellular or Wi-Fi networks, including smart watches, headphones, laptops, tablets and smart glasses. School-issued devices used for classroom instruction are exempt from the restrictions.

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In financial news, Chief Financial Officer Kristie Newby presented the district's year-end treasurer's report showing significant improvement in the fund balance. The district ended the fiscal year with a general fund balance of approximately $630,000, a substantial increase from previous years.

"We are having some much better news, which we are all ready for and I am grateful," Newby told the board.

The improved financial position resulted from several factors, including ad valorem tax collections that exceeded the auditor's estimated needs by $2.3 million. Interest earnings came in $550,000 above budget, and mortgage taxes exceeded projections by $86,000.

General fund expenditures finished $1.8 million under budget at just over $60 million, attributed to one-time cuts identified by the district's cabinet and careful spending controls.

"This was due to the one-time cuts that cabinet had found and worked on," Newby explained, noting the district also benefited from strict budget management throughout the year.

The district plans to create a public-facing document containing financial trends and data spanning 10 years to improve transparency. Superintendent Tyler Bridges said the document will include enrollment trends, fund balances, valuations and millage information.

"School finance even for a lot of people that work in school finance is exceedingly complicated," Bridges said. "Just to try to provide some of that transparency but also to kind of educate ourselves and also our public."

Board member Dr. Marshall Baker emphasized the community's expectations following a recent board retreat focused on public input.

"They want that confidence that we are fiscally responsible with the dollars we're publicly given," Baker said. "Strong sentiment for serving all kids, not just celebrating those that we typically celebrate, but making sure we're reaching kids at every level."

Bridges also provided updates on district preparations for the new school year, including ongoing work on his 90-day plan and community engagement efforts. The superintendent reported strong staffing levels and enrollment verification processes underway ahead of the first day of school.

The board also recognized two Stillwater High School students who excelled at the national level. Laura Bennett and Addison Harmon placed in the top 35 nationally at the FCCLA National Leadership Conference in Orlando, Florida.

Bennett finished 32nd out of 150 teams in the Leadership competitive event, while Harmon placed 22nd out of 106 participants in Event Management. Both students are part of the Family and Consumer Sciences program.

"These students are not only amazing competitors, but they also volunteered on their off days when they weren't competing," said Kenzlee Camp, the new Family and Consumer Sciences teacher. "We received compliments from state advisors, volunteers, and even people from other states about how responsible, kind they were to other students."